Author's Note: I must credit Ann for the idea of this title as I had the chapter in mind but no idea what to call it. So once again, thanks for your brilliance, Miss Ann.

Flashback scene written in Italics.

Lucas carefully shut the bathroom door and turned on the shower for good measure. Dialing the number on his cell phone, he prayed she would pick up. On the third ring she did and he had never been so happy to hear her voice.

"Luke…you okay?"

"Hales, you have to help me."

"What happened? Are you alright? Are you…"

The fear was causing her voice to rise.

"No, no. I'm not sick or anything. I hate to ask but I really need your help. It...it's Brooke", Lucas whispered

"What's wrong with Brooke and why are you whispering?"

"Aliens have come and kidnapped Brooke and replaced her with one of those Stepford wives and I'm whispering because once she hears me, there is no escape."

"Lucas, what are you talking about?" Haley laughed.

"I don't mean to be a dick or sound ungrateful because I know she's just trying to help but Hales I don't think I can take it anymore. She cooks three meals a day and has me on a schedule like I'm a baby or something…"

"That's sweet."

"It would be if she weren't the world's worst cook. She fluffs my pillows and makes my bed…"

"Now what's wrong with that?" Haley asked.

"I'm still in the bed when she makes it."

Haley just giggled as she could only imagine what poor Lucas was going through even though Brooke meant well.

"You know Brooke probably better than anybody and you know whenever she takes on something, whether it's work or shopping for clothes or being a mom or in this case trying to take care of you, you know she dives in head first and gives 100 percent. That's just the Brooke Scott way."

"I know", he sighed. "And I used to think that was cute. Now it's just kind of annoying."

"Hey", Haley scolded, wishing she was an arm's length away so she could pop him in his ungrateful, stubborn, brooding head. "That's not fair, Luke. She's just trying to make you comfortable. This woman uprooted her whole life to move here for a few months to take care of you. Think about that next time she's 'annoying' you. Besides, I'm sure you're not the easiest 'patient' to deal with anyway."

"I know I must sound like a real asshole but you don't understand. This is so hard for me, Haley. I can't even put into words what this is like for me. I'm trying so hard to adjust to everything yet every time I turn around Brooke is there asking if I need anything or doing this and that for me."

"She's doing it out of the goodness of her heart and because she cares for you."

"She's doing it because 'it's the right thing to do' or so everyone says. It's pity and obligation and that's the last thing I need right now. Eventually I'm gonna get better and my body will heal and when that time comes, Brooke will be gone. In the end none of it even matters, Haley."

She took a deep breath. Haley truly understood both sides of the situation. It was hard on everyone.

"Try not to think of it like that. I know it's easier said than done but promise me that you'll bear with the situation. Don't give up, okay? I can't make it down today but I promise I'll be by first thing tomorrow and I'll have a talk with Brooke then. In the meantime just relax and concentrate on getting better and just be lucky that you have someone around willing to want to help you."

"I know Brooke just wants to help. I know you do too and Nathan and Mom and everybody. I do appreciate it but it makes everything worse when everyone treats me like a helpless invalid."

"Lucas, we don't…"

"Yes you do. I know you don't mean to but you all do. I see it in your eyes. And it hurts, Hales. It makes me feel a thousand times worse."

"I'm sorry", she said softly. "We just want you to be okay again. I want you to be healthy and happy."

"The only times I'm truly happy these days is when I'm sitting out on the beach holding my daughter and playing with my dog. That's when my mind is clear and I feel at peace. You know why? Because after everything that has happened, Pete and Harmony are the only two that don't look at me different. To Pete I'm still that same cool dude that feeds him and tosses the Frisbee every now and then and to Harmony, I'm still just Daddy. I look in their eyes and I don't see pity, I just see unconditional love."

Haley just nodded as she fought back tears.

"Okay. Um, I'll talk to Brooke when I see you guys, tomorrow. Okay? Um, hang in there, Lucas."

"Thanks, Hales", he sighed as he hung up.

Through the bathroom vent he could smell the aroma of burned food being prepared in the kitchen. He shook his head and smiled in spite of himself as he thought back to the first time Brooke ever burned one of his meals. It was his first birthday following their marriage. It all seemed so long ago but at the same time, it felt like it was just yesterday…

"Hello, Husband", Brooke greeted cheerily as she opened the bedroom door.

Lucas stretched and yawned before finally pulling himself to a sitting position and noticing the tray in her hands.

"What's all this?" he asked.

"This is your birthday present. I know, I know, you were expecting a Rolex or a new car or an Armani suit. Well that was the 'old' Brooke. You are now looking at the new and improved version of your wife. I wanted to do something different and from my heart so here is your breakfast in bed and here is your present", she chirped, setting the tray down and pulling a wrapped box from underneath the bed.

Lucas forced a smile as he looked down at the tray and back up to the hopeful and happy grin plastered on his wife's face. The saying goes, "it's the thought that counts", but as much as Lucas appreciated the gesture, he couldn't help but wonder what exactly his bride had been thinking. The contents on the tray, which she had referred to as breakfast, looked like anything but. The bacon was burned to a crisp and the eggs actually looked green in color.

"Eat up, babe! What do you think?"

"I, uh…I um, think this is very, very…nice. Um, I…wow. I think I'll start with the coffee."

Coffee. The coffee had to be safe. Lucas smiled as he raised the mug to his mouth and took a sip. It took everything he had not to spit out the bitter liquid which still contained the actual coffee grinds.

"You okay? Is the coffee…"

"Coffee's great, babe", Lucas lied to spare his wife's feelings. "It was just, uh, a little hot. I'll set that right here and save that for later."

"How about some waffles?" she grinned.

"Waffles? Um, sure…yum!"

Brooke cut a piece and fed it to her husband. The center of the waffle was still frozen.

"How is it?"

"So…so good."

He spent the next half hour digesting what Brooke had worked so hard to prepare. After that day no one could ever say he didn't love his wife. Love was about the only thing that allowed him to munch green eggs and burned bacon.

"Okay, Broody, time to open up your present. Wanna know what it is? I know you do."

Her enthusiasm was adorable and one of the reasons he loved her so much. He tore open the wrapper and saw what appeared to be a sweater.

"I made it myself. I took a knitting class while you were at practice."

She pulled the sweater out and held it against him. The neck was a little large and the right arm was shorter than the left.

"Sorry", she smiled, a little embarrassed. "I guess I messed it up."

"No you didn't", he said, placing a kiss on her forehead. "It's perfect…just like you."

Lucas sat on the bathroom floor, his thoughts a million miles away as the shower ran.

"Luke! Lucas!"

Brooke.

"Yeah?" he called out.

"You okay in there?"

"I'm fine."

"Dinner's ready!"

Lucas took a deep breath. Dinner was ready. He shuddered to think what that might be. Only one more day. Then Haley would come and save the day. Just one more day.